Blackpool Grand Theatre – until Saturday 30 November 2024
Reviewed by Debra Skelton
5*****
I have to say, I was not sure what to expect (too be honest, I thought it was a tribute to Dolly Parton herself) but in fact I was completely wrong, however, I was not disappointed, this show is just amazing and a must see.
Here You Come Again has had several successful productions across the United States and was originally written by two-time Emmy award-winning comedy and songwriter Bruce Vilanch with Gabriel Barre (Director) and Tricia Paoluccio (Dolly Parton).
The show has now been adapted by acclaimed British playwright Jonathan Harvey (Gimme, Gimme, Gimme and Coronation Street) for the UK and can be seen at The Blackpool Grand Theatre until 30th of November.
The story centres around 40-year-old Kevin who has recently split up from his boyfriend and is now back home in Yorkshire living with his parents in his childhood home.
As this is during Covid lockdown, he ends up being confined in the attic which happens to be his bedroom with his parents having to use disinfected trays to pass food and other items to him.
Being alone surrounded by belongings from his youth and just his own thoughts, Kevin comes across his old but much-loved record player along with Dolly Parton albums that he cherished.
To no surprise during this challenging time, Kevin enters crisis mode and wonders “What Would Dolly Do?” and who is best to answer this question is no other than Dolly herself who literally comes to life from one of Kevin’s posters.
Dolly then helps Kevin to navigate through his troubles via her brilliant back catalogue of songs and with her wit, humour and charm, Dolly teaches Kevin a whole lot about life, love and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps.
This show is packed with all the iconic songs of Dolly Parton such as ‘Here You Come Again’, ‘Islands In the Stream’, Jolene, I Will Always Love You, 9 to 5 and so many more amazing songs.
Dolly is played by the remarkable Broadway star Tricia Pauluccio who speaks and sings just like her and truly embodies the spirit that has made Dolly an enduring icon. Tricia proved you can sing Dolly’s songs which are notoriously difficult to perform by not missing a single note – truly amazing.
Kevin is played by the exquisite West End star Steven Webb whose presence on stage is unmatched with his comic timing which is outstanding, and his personality literally fills the stage. Steven is such an engaging performer and is just first-rate, he is likeable, endearing and funny which goes a long way to make this show a success.
Tricia and Steven were joined on stage throughout the show by an excellent four-piece live band who also provided voices for some other characters such as Kevin’s parents. The live music and backing voices was such a great addition to making this show a success.
Special thanks also needs to go to Paul Wills for the engaging set which provided a look back to Kevin’s past and the costumes which were stunning (especially Dolly’s) which included plenty of sparkle and rhinestones, Lizzi Gee for choreography, Tim Deiling for Lighting, Tom Marshall for Sound and Richard John for Music.